KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Five students enrolled at the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) were, on Friday, presented with scholarships valued at over $1 million, from the People’s Republic of China.

The recipients are Nailah Steele, Courtney Johnson, Nakalia Thompson, Winston Chambers, from the Faculty of Marine and Nautical Studies; and Shannon McCalla, from the Faculty of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Speaking at the awards ceremony held at the CMU’s Palisadoes campus, in Kingston, China’s Ambassador to Jamaica NIU Qingbao, encouraged the recipients to stay on the path of being excellent students.

“This is to make it easier for you to pursue your academic performance with excellence and relieve a little of your parents’ burden. I wish that you will prosper in your future careers and that your fellow classmates will copy your success stories,” the ambassador said.

For his part, President of the University, Dr Professor Fitz Pinnock, said the gesture is a great reflection of the long friendship between Jamaica and China.

He noted that the students are expected to gain a “rounded education” while undertaking their studies at the university.

The president also encouraged the recipients to consider the ambassador’s invitation to work in China, “to learn a different culture, a different language, exposure to technology and to come back and add more value to Jamaica.”

Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr Grace McLean, told the gathering that the Government is committed to ensuring that the logistics sector is well-placed and supported to create jobs.

She also encouraged the students to recognise that the opportunities to gain industry know-how and on-the-job training are “crucial in the logistics industry where knowledge and experience counts more than academic credentials.”

Scholarship recipients, Shannon McCalla and Nakalia Thompson, expressed appreciation for the award noting that it will continue to motivate them to work hard.